Pumpkin Vegan Lasagne for my Little Pumpkin
Posted on June 8, 2009 in the Kristin's Kooking category
I’m on fire (no alarm needed this time)! I invented something definitely sweet and absolutely sassy for my loving and very hungry husband.
I created it in honour of one of the best local takeaway spots, the Lizzie Bay Gourmet. They make the most super duper double delish Pumpkin and Ricotta lasagne. I drool just thinking about it!
I try to take all my most favourite dining out delights, make them at home and veganise them. It works pretty well, especially if we eat in the dark with lots of red wine. Okay, I’m kind of kidding – but I make pretty good healthy substitutes.
This one turned out pretty decently. It was better the second day (after the flavour set in) and my little pumpkin ate it all.
Here’s what you do:
Bake pumpkin (there’s no canned pumpkin in Australia – so I now cook pumpkin long hand – just cut up and bake in the oven until tender). You need at least a cup – I added veggie mince to give it texture and bulk.
For the “ricotta cheese” – I magic bulleted 1.5 containers of tofu, lemon juice, lots of garlic and fresh basil (plus added italian herbs). It’s better than you imagine.
I layered lasagne noodles (you don’t have to cook them as they soften and cook as they bake – I use wheat noodles with no egg added), pumpkin mix, vegan cheese (I like the garden herb flavour from “Simply Better Foods“. It’s kind of soft but I slice it as think as I can), and ricotta mix. I sprinkled fresh basil on the top and baked until the noodles are soft.
Now, I’ll be honest – it’s not Lizzie Bay (nothing is as heavenly), but it tastes really healthy and it’s good for us. I hope you enjoy it – we sure did.
Until next time….cheers & beers & one-eyed jacks!
Two Alarm Sweet (& Sassy) Potato Veggie Burgers
Posted on June 8, 2009 in the Kristin's Kooking category
I’ll just start by saying, this is quite yummy – I’ve done it again, if I do say so myself! But since I’m one of the only ones that reads this, I can say as many wonderful things about me that I like.
I call this little ditty “two alarm” because I set off the fire alarm twice while I was cooking. Robbo says he knows when dinner is ready because the alarm warns him it’s time to eat.
I did not fail this time – but these turned out so yummy, I was quickly forgiven – horray for me!
Here’s the scoop:
400 – 500 grams of cooked sweet potatoes (about a cup)
400 – 500 grams of cooked chickpeas (I soak dry chickpeas overnight and boil in hot water until tender)
Heat red onion, fresh basil and garlic in a fry pan under onions are cooked
Mash all ingredients with a shredded large carrot (or a few smaller)
Add spices: I like cayenne pepper, cumin, italian herbs (including thyme, sage and rosemary).
From here, you can add flour, ground sunflower seeds, shredded cheese or an egg – the flour and/or egg will help these stay together. I didn’t add anything to keep this a vegan dish.
Once you mush the ingredients together, form patties – you can either bake them or fry on the stove top with olive oil (hence the fire alarm).
Once they are cooked, they are a little flimsy but still super good. I like mine either wrapped in a lettuce leaf with cut tomatoes, mustand and ketchup, or served with sauteed mushrooms, cut tomatoes, mustard and ketchup.
If they fall apart too much, serve as a wrap in a tortilla – you can add vegan cheese, too.
You can put leftovers in the fridge. They taste better the second day since they’ve now marinated overnight.
FYI – I did NOT set off the fire alarm the second night – so I had that going for me, which is nice.
Bon appetit!
Sister Denis Anne…another Something Sweet & Sassy Send-off
Posted on May 29, 2009 in the Real Beauty category
It’s that time again – drats – another goodbye to another sweet & sassy someone. These are never easy or fun to write, yet it’s part of life, and I’m glad to curl up and remember special people who have touched my life.
When I was a wee one, I joined a leadership organisation called TACSC (The Association of Catholic Student Councils). Led by Marilyn Thickett (here’s Marilyn’s special tribute), I volunteered for many years (and worked for a few, too).
Marilyn’s gal Friday for quite of few of the early years was Sister Denis Anne. She was an incredibly cool chick. She was funny, spicy, straight-forward, and just a real comfortable and stable presence. I loved her immediately and enjoyed being a fellow staff member at summer conference.
When I arrived to high school, talk filled the halls about a stern sister. They were talking about Sister Denis Anne – I could not believe it! You see, I spent some of the most uplifting and awesome experiences with her and the rest of the TACSC staff.
But so many people didn’t get the fortunate opportunity to see her when she really shined. And she did – not in an American Idol way, but she was so real and true – and she loved every one of us.
I was one of the lucky ones. I laughed when people acted afraid of her. And I understand that is an easy judgment for the Girls Dean of a super Catholic School. But she always had a mischievous twinkle in her eye – that’s what I loved most about her.
After high school, I had an operation and had to spend time in hospital. It gets pretty lonely there, and an easy place to wallow. I was feeling sorry for myself and nervous I wouldn’t recover in time to go to University (and follow in the path of my favourite movie, Animal House). So you can imagine how pathetic I was.
But the best memory I have of that experience – the turning point – was when I opened my eyes from a nap and saw Sister Denis Anne and Marilyn at the foot of my bed. It was one of the nicest things to have happened to me. I don’t think I ever told either of them what it meant to have two such lovely and important ladies visiting me, but I felt like a VIP from that point.
Over the years, I saw her – she always had that twinkle and sassy nature. I stayed in touch with her and sent her cards when she was retired. But her health was declining. But I still wrote to her even though I didn’t know if she remembered me. It didn’t matter. I didn’t want her to forget how much someone loved her.
But there are so many people who cared for her. She wasn’t scary or un-hip. She was full of love and totally approachable.
She’s now another angel in my life. I’m sad I won’t be able to say a formal goodbye at her funeral, but just writing this post makes me feel closer to her.
Love you, Sister Denis Anne – thanks for shining so bright and warming me with your best self.
Never too late for New Year’s Resolutions…(spoiler alert – may contain traces of nuts, warm fuzzies & touchy feelies!)
Posted on May 7, 2009 in the Inspiration category
So there I was, lying in bed thinking about how incredibly beautiful the Air Supply concert was at the Sydney Opera House last night. I was extremely touched by how excited the crowd was – everyone sang and danced and reminisced about their Air Supply music memories. It was truly moving. I’m grateful I experienced the goodness that took over the Concert Hall.
(An aside – here are two pics of the show – one before and one at the end – dancing and crying room only):
This got me thinking about how I sometimes live inside my head and dwell on stress, worry, judgments, fairness (or unfairness) and disappointments – and I occasionally miss enjoying the awesome moments in my life.
Well, no more!
A while ago, I decided to create a new mantra to help me deal with challenging people – knowing it’s me who has to change, not them. I was tired of being disillusioned and left feeling angry or crabby.
The mantra? H.E.L.P – pretty simple, huh? Yet it took me the whole 39 years of my life (or 29 according to my darling husband) to create this. It means I’m praying for Happiness, Empathy, Love and Peace for this person, and for myself. And it worked pretty well.
But I was upset when things didn’t pan out how I anticipated. I was working hard to make a difference and believed I deserved certain outcomes. I would try to envision abundance and happiness – and it worked to a degree – but I could still work myself up into a snit when things didn’t go my way.
My husband said – let go of my expectations, don’t attach yourself to the outcomes – of course, Zen Rohan – and he’s right – but I don’t just jump paths and start skipping to a new tune without pondering, visualising, and holding a personal pep rally (including new outfit, inspirational song, and interpretive dance to commemorate the occasion).
So, in true Sweet & Sassy Style, I decided to embrace my ANGELS and kick out the DEMONS.
What else would you expect from a Straight-A, Catholic school girl, certified former cheerleader and journalism major with a proofreading pet peeve? I like to spell things out…correctly.
Kicking out the DEMONS:
I will let go of my Delusions/Distress, Ego, Madness (as in anger, not insanity, pardon you), Onerousness, Negativity, and Sentencing/Skeptical nature.
Embracing my ANGELS:
I will Accept, Nurture, be more Grateful/Generous, Encourage, be Light (as in less serious, not low fat), and Surrender my expectations.
Why am I sharing this with my 2 readers – and all the lovely loyal spambots that visit my site at an excruitating rate?
Firstly, everything is a good idea at 5am. Secondly, I don’t want to miss out on all the awesome experiences I have by letting my dark side (aka Darth Rohan) overshadow my better self.
To be honest, I don’t think I’m a monster. But when I arrived in Sydney, I decided to change/tweak the parts of my self that I didn’t like so much. These are them.
Now if I can just finish my Advent postings by next Christmas, I’ll be batting 1000. Hey, procrastination wasn’t one of my resolutions…
If Broccoli could be Sweet & Sassy, this would be the Recipe…ode to Aunt Toni!
Posted on April 4, 2009 in the Kristin's Kooking category
You must think all I do is eat – well, you are right! I love to eat, but I love to cook even more. And I especially like to share my easy vege-arian (ala South Park), re-invented creations with you – my 2 fans (hey mum — and Jane, too – if you are out there!).
Here’s today special – in honour of Palm Sunday and my beautiful Auntie Toni – she entrusted me with her very yummy recipe. I could never do her justice, but this is my humble attempt.
By the way, it’s Toni’s bday in May – so happy birthday, lovie!
Sweet and Sassy Chopping Broccoli Salad:
Chop broccoli in tiny pieces
Toast sunflower seeds in olive oil and favourite spices
Fry bacon – I use “fakin” bacon from Vegie Delights
Sultanas (raisins for my states peeps)
Chop red onion
And I added a few extra ingredients for a robust veggie extravaganza:
Chopped cucumbers
Chopped tomatoes
Chopped grapes
And for the dressing – I substituted mayo and sugar for:
Whole grain mustard w/ honey
Balsamic Vinegar
Wowza – it’s pretty darn tooting good – healthy, high in all the good stuff you need and pretty – just like Auntie Toni!
Till next time – Happy Holy Moly Week – I’ve 7 more days of no swearing, no tempers, no malicious gossip — and I’m throwing in no criticisms, too – Wheeee – we are having some fun now!
Sweet & Sassy Stroganoff – Ancient Vegan Secret!
Posted on March 29, 2009 in the Kristin's Kooking category
Yum Yum Yum! I made another tasty treat – Vegan Stroganoff – I’ll keep this short because I want seconds. To top that off, it’s so easy, you can make it in minutes…
And because it’s healthy, I can have all I want…so there!
Kristin’s Sweet & Sassy Stroganoff:
Vegan Mince (I use the delicious mince from Vegie Delights: http://www.vegiedelights.com.au/products/meal-makers/vegie-delights-mince.aspx)
Green Onions
Mushrooms
Brown mince with olive oil – I also add garlic, worchestire sauce, pizza (or tomato) sauce & cayenne pepper to the mix. I add the onions and mushrooms after a few minutes.
In my magnificent Magic Bullet: www.buythebullet.com/, I add:
firm or silken tofu
worchestire sauce
garlic
I blend that to a sour cream consistency – put aside.
Cook any kind of pasta – I use couscous.
Mix all together and serve it to a happy husband.
It is really good!
A Sweet & Sassy Service — GreenTomatoCars.com.au
Posted on March 21, 2009 in the Sweet & Sassy Sydney category
I had yet another grand adventure last week – good for me!
I had a new biz pitch in Port Kembla – and didn’t realize how far it was from my berth. It was far. I don’t drive. A taxi would have been $323 one way. Not good.
So I called my friends at greentomatocars.com.au — hybrid hired vehicles. I’ve had wonderful experience with them. They are friendly, have reasonable rates, and are always helpful (even if they can’t help me everytime because I’m late calling) – all around best service I’ve experienced in Oz.
A lovely man named Russ picked me up – we went on a very long jaunt through the most beautiful towns. We drove through a National Forest, we drove along the coast, we drove and drove and drove – keeping up a really interesting convo the whole time.
I usually don’t talk much to strangers – but after about 10 minutes, Russ and I were no longer strangers. I told him random facts from my oh-so-thrilling life that I don’t share with most people. It must have been the view and the absence of petrol in the Prius, but it was a very pleasant afternoon. I’m usually very nervous before a meeting, but I was raring to go and ready to take on Port Kembla.
Before you call a taxi, call Green Tomato Cars and request a rate – 1300 72 9998 – they are way less expensive than a cab. And you get a great driver to boot! If you get Russ, tell him hey for me.
Thanks, Green Tomato Cars and Russ – I’m one happy gal and can’t wait to set sail again!
My Own Something Sweet & Sassy Book: Real Beauty…to enlighten, empower and entertain
Posted on March 8, 2009 in the Real Beauty category
Here I am, writing and writing about all these super awesome women I know – for a few years now – and I realise, I never posted the overview to my book – duh!
I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for it, right? Well, here it is – I do hope to publish it one day – and I’ll keep adding to it since there are gazillion beautiful women with a scrillion beautiful qualities. I plan to meet and write about as many as I possibly can.
Who needs any more negative, bad, sad, depressing, greedy, angry news? Not me.
Enjoy, my friends!
******************************
Real Beauty Overview
I’ve read many books and magazines about beauty. Some discuss how to achieve outer beauty –
including cosmetics, exercise, and diet. And some discuss the importance of inner beauty – letting your inner light shine. I think they all help a little. But, what if you are like me, and lack the confidence in believing in your own unique beauty? I used to feel I had to have every quality in spades to be beautiful – inside and out. That’s too much pressure. No one can achieve that and still have time to enjoy themselves. But I can admire all these qualities and want to have a little of every one of them in me.
And that’s when I discovered living models of all the beautiful qualities I wanted and admired. I’m so lucky to know many beautiful women. And instead of being jealous and competing with them, I started to embrace them and love them for what made them so lovely. I realized that just because they had wonderful qualities, didn’t mean I didn’t, or couldn’t. It made it more possible for me to appreciate them and learn about them.
I spent my life afraid that people wouldn’t like me if I wasn’t perfect – if I didn’t posses every great
quality. I learned, with the help of some great people, that being genuine is the most beautiful gift I can give myself and others. Is being beautiful the most important goal to have? No, but feeling beautiful means a lot to me. And maybe it means something to other women.
So why am I writing this? Because there are so many books that separate women, that claim we aren’t good enough, smart enough, efficient enough, and powerful enough without professional help. There are so many articles out there that claim we NEED these tips, these connections, these buzzwords, these accessories, the pills, these surgeries and we need to spend all this money to be important. But we just need to be ourselves and let our light shine naturally. We don’t need coaching, or therapy, or drugs to bring out our BEST SELF. And I know women to prove it. Are some of these enjoyable? Do they help?
Sure they do – but they aren’t imperative to our thriving and surviving.
I’ve been afraid to age. I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. What will happen when I lose my youth? What will I have to offer? Who will love me? Who will admire me? Who will think I’m
beautiful? It’s silly but I’m sure there are other people out there like me, otherwise there would be no cosmetics, plastic surgery, diet pills, or miracle drugs. But I know plenty of gorgeous ladies who don’t go to extremes. What is it about them? It’s their natural beauty. They embrace their individuality and uniqueness. That’s what makes them beautiful.
So I decided, as a thank you to them, I’d share my appreciation and stories. I’m sure many of them will be surprised or embarrassed. I would be. I’m a little surprised and embarrassed writing this. But I don’t feel our world values and honors women and their qualities enough. But I do. And I’m doing something about it. I want to encourage all women to find their unique qualities and let them shine. Our society and our young women need them. I need them.
Another Sweet & Sassy Send-Off…Farewell My Friend, MaryAnn
Posted on March 4, 2009 in the Real Beauty category
I’m sad to say, I have another Sweet & Sassy Send-Off.
These are my least favourite posts, but I consider myself lucky to have known such incredible people to write about and remember.
When I decided to write my book, Real Beauty, (Real Beauty Book Overview), I wanted to honour all the awesome women in my life and share the qualities that make them beautiful. I’m happy to add to my list, even though I’m upset to lose a friend.
About a year ago, I joined an amazing group, Soroptimist of Capitola (www.best4women.org). It’s an international organisation dedicated to bettering the lives of women and girls everywhere. It was one of the best things I’ve done for myself and have met the most fabulous women ever.
One of these women was MaryAnn. Right from the beginning, she took me under her wing. I loved her immediately. She was a long time member of Soroptimist – most recently from the Capitola club but previously belonged to the Watsonville club, too. She knew everyone!
I respected MaryAnn because she was honest, fiesty and strong. She was a proud and beautiful woman. Whenever she talked to me, she kept her head up and looked me straight in the eye. She didn’t seem afraid of anything. I could feel her confidence and bask in it, even when I was feeling unsure of myself or nervous.
I always enjoyed seeing her and her darling husband, Norm, at the Mid County Senior Center Ranch Breakfast http://www.mid-county-center.org/bkfst.shtml. It was one of the highlights for me each month. She didn’t mind when all the girls flirted with Norm. She knew she had a prince for a husband – so did all the other girls!
I especially enjoyed going to events with MaryAnn. We attended a Soroptimist event in Watsonville and she introduced me to anyone who came our way. She helped me feel comfortable and accepted. Joining a new group is hard, but she never let me feel anxious or alone. We drove around after the event and she shared her old neighborhood me. I felt I knew her so much better because she was generous with her time and her stories.
She was the last Capitola Soroptimist member I saw. I couldn’t leave town without saying good-bye one more time. I’m glad I did. It was a very hard thing for me to do – because I hate saying good-bye. I’ll avoid it at all costs. I just like to fade into the sunset. But she and Norm had come to mean so much to me, that I sucked it up and popped by her place on our way out of town. I could tell she was sad but she kept her head up and looked straight at me to say good-bye.
I wish I could be brave like MaryAnn. I think of her when I feel wimpy and need to toughen up a bit. I’ll always appreciate the time I spent with her.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to see her again. But I know the time I spent with her was special. I loved her fiercely and I will remember her fondly.
Cheers, MaryAnn – I raise a toast (champagne, of course) to you, and will miss your sweet smile and sassy nature.
Tasty Tabouleh & Pumpkin Capsicum Couscous – very Sweet & absolutely Sassy!
Posted on February 28, 2009 in the Kristin's Kooking category
More yum for my tum…and Rob’s too!
Once I get going in the kitchen, I can’t stop! Especially now that I have my Magic Bullet (http://www.buythebullet.com/) the most incredible appliance ever – at least for cooking…
So today, trusty reader and 9000 bots, you get 2 – yes two – recipes. It’s Lent and I’m feeling very generous – and very hungry. I’m ready to eat!
Tasty Tabouleh
Cucumber chopped
Tomato chopped
Parsley chopped very fine
Couscous or Bulghur
Chickpeas
Mint
Lime
Olive Oil
And…my new secret ingredient (so don’t tell anyone) red and green capsicum – I blended and made it almost like a tapanade.
Mix together and serve – TOTALLY FABULOUS
Punkin Capsicum Couscous
I boiled pumpkin pieces
Sauteed Mushroom
Sauteed Vegie Delite Deli Luncheon (or any vegan mince, “meat”, crumbles – or use meat, you’re the boss of you) – cut in small pieces and sauteed in olive oil, and spices
Red and Green Capsicum (Bell Peppers for my US peeps) sauteed, too
Once everything is sauteed, I poured some teriyaki sauce over the mess, let is simmer for a few minutes and served over couscous and sprinkled sauteed pepitas over the whole shebang.
Tootaloo and cheerio!
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